Christianah Alade (Intern)
The League of Veteran Journalists, Ogun State Chapter led by the Chairman, Dele Akinsola on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof) Saka Matemilola at his palace located in Ago-Owu area of the ancient town.
Penpushing reports that the executives of the league arrived the palace at about 12pm and were ushered into the palace by the chiefs to be received by the first class and cerebral traditional ruler
The Chairman of the league earlier in his speech explained mission of the visit which include unveiling plan to establish a journalism museum at the proposed Iwe Irohin Press Centre site located along Moshhod Abiola way, Abeokuta.
Penpushing further reports that Akinsola disclosed that the proposed museum will contain old newspapers and historical materials connected to the development of journalism aimed to preserved for research.
“The purpose of this new infrastructure is to create a museum that will showcase the history of journalism by putting old newspapers there. An old printing machine connected to the history of Iwe Irohin had also been located and would form part of the historical exhibits’, he added.
Penpushing also reports that the Chairman who sought the support of the monarch towards the project added that the league is equally concerned about the growing spread of unprofessional journalism through social media.
“Anyone who has a phone and a social media platform can just sit at home, cook up lies and post. We can’t let that happen because it can raise stereotypes about journalists publishing fake news, and they would think all journalists are the same’, he said.
Penpushing reports that Akinsola pointed out that the situation could create a wrong perception about journalists generally, stressing that the body is committed to continuing the legacy of the late Oba Olufemi Ogunleye, a veteran journalist who contributed significantly to journalism and Owu Kingdom.
“To continue in his legacy, we’ve decided to take it upon ourselves to monitor what is going on behind us so that we can have peace of mind and sleep with two eyes closed when it comes to journalism in this town,” Akinsola said.
Penpushing further reports that Osupori of Owu, Chief Olusola Adeoye, in his contributions supported the proposed museum and training programme, lamenting that the quality of journalism had changed considerably.
The Owu High Chief urged the league of veteran journalists to ensure they produced competent successors before leaving the profession, stressing that those behind them should be encourage to undergo training and retraining
“They need to undergo this training and retraining because nowadays they make too many grammatical errors in their reports. When you retire without having good people to succeed you, then you’ve done nothing yet’, he said.
Penpushing also reports that Orunto of Owu, Chief Abiodun Lasile in his remarks highlighted some of Owu Kingdom’s contributions to society, including its library, OHI programme, School Feeding Initiative and efforts to support widows and the less privileged.
The High Chief disclosed plans and efforts towards improving healthcare in the kingdom, while stressing the importance placed on preserving Owu culture and traditions, and equally announced that the Odun Omo Olowu celebration would commence on October 13, 2026
Penpushing reports that the royal father in his remarks commended the league on the proposed laudable project and called for greater accountability among journalists, saying professional media practitioners must also guard against the publication of false reports.
The monarch, however, said the problem of false reports should not be blamed entirely on citizen journalists, noting that some professional media organisations also publish false information.
“Even some of these professional media organisations still publish false reports just because they were paid to. Some of them will sit in corner of their houses and write news to blackmail people’, he pointed out.
Penpushing further reports that he called for rules that would promote responsible journalism, adding that accountability would encourage senior journalists to properly monitor those coming behind them.
The traditional ruler endorsed the proposed museum, noting that it could become a major attraction and a source of pride and assured that as soon as the proposed project is to take off, he would mobilized support from well-meaning individuals and corporate organisations
Penpushing also reports that the Owu Chiefs in attendance include Chief (Mrs) Iyabo Akinoshi, (Asiwaju Iyalode Owu); Chief Abiodun Lasile, Owu kingmaker; Chief Olaniyi Abolaji Olaonipekun, Oloosi Owu; and Chief Olusola Adeoye, Osupori Owu.
Meanwhile, other executives of the league in company of the Chairman include; Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji (Welfare/Public Relations Officer) Yemi Akintunde, (Auditor) and Stella Sawyerr (Treasurer), however, Austin Elewodalu (Secretary) was said to be outside the town due to an official engagement.
FOOTNOTE: You want to share story with us? You want to advertise with us? You need publicity for product, or service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348073463653 or email penpushing@yahoo.com
